We help businesses reduce their business rates liabilities by identifying inaccuracies in the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) calculation of the rateable value of a property. We manage the entire process from initial review to formal representation.

Business rates are a tax on most non-domestic properties, including shops, offices, warehouses, restaurants, cafes, clinics, gyms, workshops and other commercial premises.

The bill is calculated using the property’s Rateable Value, which is set by the Valuation Office Agency. This broadly represents the annual rent the property could have achieved on the open market at a fixed valuation date. For the current 2026 Rating List, that valuation date is 1 April 2024.

The local authority then applies the relevant business rates multiplier to the Rateable Value. The multiplier is set each year and differs depending on the property’s location, Rateable Value and, in some cases, the type of property or business use. Reliefs, exemptions, transitional adjustments and other billing changes may then reduce or alter the final amount payable.

The Rateable Value is not the same as your rent and it is not the business rates bill itself. It is the valuation figure behind the bill. If that figure is too high, based on incorrect property details, weak evidence or an excessive valuation level, the rates bill may also be too high.

What services do you offer to commercial occupiers?
We provide a full range of business rates services, including:

• VOA Challenges – We manage the entire Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) process.

• Factual corrections – Rectifying errors in areas, floor plans, or property descriptions.

• Fairness of the list review – Using rental evidence and comparables to identify excessive valuations.

• Material Change in Circumstances (MCC) – Seeking reductions for disruption such as construction works or road closures.

• New occupier advice – Ensuring you don’t overpay from day one of your lease.

• Reliefs– Looking for any reliefs that should be applied to reduce the rateable value.

• Valuation Tribunal representation – If necessary, we’ll represent you at Tribunal to secure a fair outcome.

Can you help landlords or owners with vacant properties?
Yes. We provide tailored strategies for mitigating or removing business rates liability on empty properties. This includes:

• Deletion appeals – Removing properties from the rating list when undergoing refurbishment or demolition.

• Completion notice advice – Ensuring new buildings are not prematurely assessed before practical completion.

• Deletion appeals - If your property is in an unusable state we will explore whether we can delete the property from the Rating List due to it being incapable of beneficial occupation.

• Empty rates relief - Ensuring the correct period of empty rates relief has been applied.

Yes, absolutely. We work with businesses of all sizes, even if you're a small business with just one commercial property. As long as you are based in England or Wales and pay business rates, there’s no property too small or obscure.

How does the process work?

1. Initial review – We assess your current business rates and property details.

2. Detailed investigation – If there’s potential for savings, we may inspect the property and gather evidence.

3. Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA) process – We handle the full CCA process with the VOA.

4. Savings delivered – If we’re successful, your bill is reduced and refunds are issued.

Do you need to visit the property?
In most cases, yes. A site inspection allows us to check measurement accuracy, layout, and condition—factors the VOA may have misinterpreted.

How long does it take?
The Check, Challenge, Appeal process can be be as quick as a few weeks or take several months or more, depending on the complexity of the case and capacity of the VOA.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?
No. Our service is completely success-based. There is no upfront fee, and no charge if we don’t save you money.

How much do you charge?
We charge a percentage of the savings achieved. This is agreed in writing before any formal work is started. The fee percentage depends on the property type and Rateable Value.

Are there any hidden charges?
No. All fees are clearly explained and agreed before we proceed. If we don’t secure savings, you owe us nothing.

How can I get started?
Get in touch with us at info@hyperionrating.co.uk for a free, no-obligation review. We’ll tell you if there’s potential for savings and walk you through the next steps.